Quick Answer
The answer is time-based blind SQL injection. The --technique=T flag explicitly selects this method, where the tool injects SQL commands that force the database to pause for a specified duration, such as via the MySQL SLEEP() function, and the observed delay of several seconds per request confirms the technique is working. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to map SQLMap flags to injection types, often appearing in scenarios where no visible error or data output is present, making time-based blind the only viable approach. A common trap is confusing it with boolean-based blind (B), which relies on true/false responses rather than delays. Remember the mnemonic: “T for Time, T for Tick—if it sleeps, the technique is T.”
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of web application and injection attacks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A penetration tester uses SQLMap with the option '--technique=T --dbms=MySQL --level=5 --risk=3' against a login form. The tool returns results after a delay of several seconds per request. Which SQL injection technique is being used?
Out-of-band SQL injection
Why wrong: Out-of-band injection uses alternate channels, not time delays.
Time-based blind SQL injection
The technique flag 'T' indicates time-based blind injection, which relies on response time delays.
Error-based SQL injection
Why wrong: Error-based injection uses errors, not time delays.
Boolean-based blind SQL injection
Why wrong: Boolean-based injection uses true/false responses, not time delays.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Time-based blind SQL injection
The 'T' in --technique stands for Time-based blind SQL injection. The delay indicates time-based injection where the database sleeps to cause a response delay.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Out-of-band SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
Out-of-band injection uses alternate channels, not time delays.
Time-based blind SQL injection
Why this is correct
The technique flag 'T' indicates time-based blind injection, which relies on response time delays.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Error-based SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
Error-based injection uses errors, not time delays.
Boolean-based blind SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
Boolean-based injection uses true/false responses, not time delays.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Web Application and Injection Attacks — This question tests Web Application and Injection Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Time-based blind SQL injection — The 'T' in --technique stands for Time-based blind SQL injection. The delay indicates time-based injection where the database sleeps to cause a response delay.
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A penetration tester uses SQLMap with the following command: sqlmap -u 'http://target.com/page?id=1' --batch --dbs. Which of the following best describes what this command will do?
mediumWhy A: --dbs enumerates database names; --batch uses default options without interactive input.
Variation 2. During a penetration test, a tester uses SQLMap with the following command: 'sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1" --os-shell'. The target is a Linux server running MySQL. Which SQL injection technique will SQLMap likely attempt to use to achieve an OS shell?
hardWhy B: SQLMap's --os-shell option typically uses the 'INTO OUTFILE' clause to write a backdoor webshell onto the server, requiring file write privileges. This is an in-band technique.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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